The Demise of Bouncer The Magnificent

Bouncer the Magnificent was put to sleep at 10.10am this morning, 4th May 2011.

Today is amongst the saddest day's for my family and I. Our beloved Bouncer was put to sleep this morning. Bouncer had suffered from cardio myopathy for the past nine months, but he was a fighter and his spirit will fight on without us.

Bouncer came to live with us twelve years ago; Gordon's mum thought he would be an ideal pet to compliment my son's hyperactive behaviour; and she was right. Susie rescued Bouncer from an abandoned house, where he had been left with four other puppies to fend for themselves when the breeders had moved out. Craig had the opportunity to choose which one of the puppies he would like and I guess both Bouncer and he chose each other.

Craig was ten at the time and he was so excited to have a dog of his own. I remember the evening in which Craig brought Bouncer home. He ran into the house with Bouncer in his arms, a bundle of brown and white fluff with the cutest black nose I had ever see. Poor Bouncer, he was jogged up and down and almost inside out in Craig's arms whilst being introduced to the family. Craig ran into his grandad's bedroom "Granda, Granda", he shouted "look what I have got, Nannie Susie bought him for me and he will sleep on my bed". My dad looked non-commitantly at the little puppy and just replied "huh. ...another dog for your mum to clean up after".

Craig was so devoted to Bouncer and Bouncer loved Craig beyond all other's. Being a springer spaniel, Bouncer needed a lot of excercise, and boy was he destructive. I can honestly say he had been the most destructive dog I have ever reared.

Nothing was sacred from Bouncers teeth. Carpets, furniture, shoes, cupboard door, door frames, Bouncer left his trade mark where ever he went. But he was so kind, and the gentlest of dogs with children. We called him the nanny dog, for he would sit so close to any child to keep him warm and would play ball for hours until he was physically exhausted. He loved the sea, and often we would sit and laugh as he ducked his head below water to retreive a ball or a stone. Or run headlong into the water before realising how deep it was to come out spluttering and coughing whilst shaking himself and covering us in water. He was a typical spaniel in as much as he had the desire to retreive, and retreive he did much to my dismay sometimes, because he would carry all manner of rubbish into the house, and leave it on the rug in front of the open fire.

Bouncer had been getting gradually sicker over the past month, and this terrible disease that had his heart in an iron grasp was beginning to take its toll on Bouncers lifestyle. Sadly I had watched him grow quieter and quieter, until he really didn't want to take his daily walk. He loved to be cuddled and to lie on the bed next to me, but it had got to the stage where he couldn't jump onto the sofa for a cuddle or onto the bed to snuggle into me. He wasn't enjoying his treats and the sparkle had gone from his eyes.

Bouncer was so courageous and fought until the very bitter end. As the vet gave him the injection this morning he looked into my eye's with a little state of panic. I held him in my arms and kissed his little brown head, he looked me straight in the face, wagged his tail and then he was gone.

A tribute to Bouncer.

Bouncer the Magnificent is now in heaven,

he was met today by Bruno and Lady.

All three amigos together again,

to chase butterflies in the fields of rye

He will look down on me tonight,

and I will feel his warm silky coat at my side,

and he will comfort these tears I have in my eyes.

Bouncer the Magnificent passed away today,

but not before he knew that I loved him,

tomorrow as my sorrow shows,

he will dance with his friends, and watch me below,

until the time comes for us to chase butterfly's together again.

I miss you my courageous little friend,

Craig has kept your collar and lead,

but I will have my precious memories to share

that no one will ever take away,

Your ashes will sit next to Bruno and Lady's when you return,

and in my heart you will never die.

memories linger forever, Sweet dreams.